Apparatus for treating metal articles



June 18, 1940.

APPARATUS FOR TREATiHG METAL ARTICLES ",0. C. TURNBULL 2,204,636

Filed Sept. 24, 1936 s'sneets-sh etz V INVENTVOR fjizrfifiall June 18,-1 D. c. TURNBULL I AlfPARATUS FOR T HEATING METAL ARTICLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 24, 193B June, 18,

D. c. TURNB ULL rrmws FOR TREATING METAL ARTICLES Filed Sept. 24, 193a 4 e Sheets-Sheets 0 sagas! 9 v.

I June 18, 1940.

D. 'c. TURNBULL 2, 36 A PPARATUS FOR TREATING METAL ARTICLES Filed Sept. 24, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 4 Hm I m m l u m I a '0 s I INVENTOR jfllg df ill'liiall AL; ATTORNEY June 1940. D. c. TURNBULL AtPARATUS FOR TREATING METAL ARTICLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 24, 1938 a l ml ll QBN S 5% E Qw EN 7 w @N Q J x47 ii #1 m |||L 5 war E mi .fiiTW. HMWNw WI I N kw e 1 INVENTO 01 15 1. ilzi'lzia/l @9211; ATTORNEY June 18, 1940. D. c. TURNBULL APPARATUS FOR TREATING METAL ARTICLES 7 Filed 'Sept. 24, 1938 s Shets-Sheet s 4 g E D NEY Illl Patented June 18, 1940 (PATENT OFFICE maas'rus ron TREATING METAL 4 narrows David O. Turnbull, Mishawaka, Ind., assignor to The American Foundry Equipment Company,- Mishawaka, 1nd a corporation of Delaware AppIicationSeptember 24, 1938, Serial No. 231,499

t Claims;

The invention relates to apparatus for treating metal articles. More particularly, the invention relates to abrading apparatus for cleaning, polishing, hardening or otherwise treating the 6 surfaces of castings, forging's, stampings and other metal objects.

In cleaning castings, forgings or other, metal objects with a stream of granular abrading material hurled at abrading velocities, it is desir- 10 able to manipulate the objects so that all or predetermined portions of the surfaces thereof are suitably presented to the stream of abrading material. In some instances, the articles can be suitably presented by tumbling them in a tumbling 5 mill or by means of a conveyor of known construction. However, where the articles are large and heavy, awkwardly shaped, fragile or otherwise unsuitable for tumbling, and where all or most of the surfaces are to becleaned, it-is difiicult to manipulate the objects so as to expose the various surface portions and particularly cavities, depressions and the like suitably to the stream of abrading material. It is also desirable that the operation be one which can be carried out in a substantially continuous man: ner as compared to a batch operation.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus includes one or more abrasive projectors, preferably of the rotary centrifugal throwing wheel type having means associated therewith'for controlling the direction of flight of the thrown. abrading material. A conveyor is provided for advancing the objects into the abrasive stream or streams, turning them about in the stream or streams and thereafter moving them from the stream or streams. The conveyor includes an endless flexible member, suitably mounted so as to define a generally trough-shaped -floor or supporting surface and adapted to be 40 traveled whereby an article supported thereon is turned aboutin the stream or streams. A pusher mechanism is provided which is adapted to push the articles along the endless flexible member. 7 A loading mechanism is provided for depositing the articles onto the supporting surface gently and without undueshock and comprises-a tubular member adjacent and generally aligned with the endless fiexiblemember. Preferablma generally similar tubular unloading member is provided for receiving the articles as they arc-discharged from the endless flexible-member. The loading and unloading members are preferably rotated at the speed of travel of the endless flexible member and are either driven by the sup: porting member or by a drive synchronized with frame-like spacer member is disposed between successive workpieces in order to space apart the m ends of adjacent workpieces to permit the stream or streams of abrading material to strike against and clean the endsof the workpieces. 7

An object of the present invention is the provision of apparatus for the cleaning of metal castings, forgings and other metal members wherein the 'workpiece is positively advanced through a stream ofabrading material and is turned about in the stream under control whereby to present all or predetermined portions of the surfaces to the abrading action of the stream.

Another object of the invention is the provision of apparatus for abrasively cleaning large and heavy metal objects of such construction as cannot be conveniently'tumbled, whereby all or predetermined surface portions of the objects, and particularly cavities and depressions, are suitably exposed to the abrasive stream.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of apparatus for abrasively cleaning metal objects wherein the objects are automatically manipulated. to remove therefrom any moulding sand, core sand, or other foreign material, prior to entry of the object into the abrasive stream.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of apparatus for abrasively cleaning metal objects wherein the objects are automatically manipulated after removal from the abrasive stream whereby to remove any abrading material or other debris-from the surfaces of the objects 40 and from cavities or depressions thereof.

Various other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following particular description and from an inspection of the accompanying drawings.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended I hereto; the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carriedout, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming ,a part hereof, iniwhich f Fig. l is a side elevational view of one form iii of apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, [perspective view of a detail of the endless flexible member;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along line 5-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken-along line 6-6 of Fig. 2;

. Fig. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of one of the spacers;

Fig. 8' is a fragmentary, side elevational view, partially in cross-section, of another embodiment of the invention and illustrating particularly the construction at the loading end or the apparatus;

Fig. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 3-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along line ill-id of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross=sec .tional View taken along line ii-ii of Fig. it.

In the following description and in the claims, various details will be identified by specific names for convenience, out they are intended to be as generic in their application as the art will permit. Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures of the drawings.

Referring now particularly l and 5:? of the drawings, the apparatus comprises housing or cabinet i having a plurality of sections 2, d,

6, 8 and iii, providing respectively a loading station 3, inlet chamber 5, abrading chamber i, outlet chamber a and discharging station ii, A loading or charging opening it is provided in the loading section 2, an inlet opening iii is provided in the inlet section i, an outlet or discharge opening it is provided in the outlet section 8. Supporting and conveying means, hereinafter more fully described, are provided tor advancing articles to be cleaned through the hcusing or cabinet from the loading station 3 to the die-- charging station ii,

One or more abrasive projectors may be suit ably mounted on the top wall of the abrading chamber section 6 for projmting a corresponding number" of streams of abradi'ng material, or abradant, against workpieces in the abradlng' chamber l. projectors A and B are shown which project streams so and sh respectively, of abrading ma terial. Although the projectors A and B may take various forms, prei'erably they are oi the centrifgal throwing wheel type having means associated therewlth'for controlling a direction of flight of the thrown abrading material. inasmuch as both of the abrasive projectors are sub stantially similar, only one of them will be described in detail.

The abrasive projector A includes a rotary centrifugal throwing wheel 200; (see Figs. 2 and 4) having a plurality: of throwing blades at which extend in a generally radial direction fromadjacent the periphery of the wheel to points inwardly short of the rotating axis of the wheel to provide a central space 22. Disposed inthe central space 22 is an impeller 23 having a plurality of radially directed vanes 24. Surrounding and spaced from the impeller 23 is a relatively stationary and independently mounted control member 25 having one or more suitably arranged discharge outlets 26. I

In the present example two such The throwing blades '2l may be supported by one or more side wall members 21, 28, one of which supports the blades on .a shaft 28 for rotation. The shaft 29 is suitably journaled in bearings 30 and is driven from a motor 3la connected to the shaft 28 by a suitable drive 32. The impeller 23 preferably rotates with the blades 2|.

The wheel 20:: preferably is mounted on a top wall portion 32a of the housing section f6 and may extend through an opening 33 'or may be poslr tioned so as to project its streams so of abrading material through this opening. A casing 36 may be provided for enclosing the portion or" the wheel which extends above the top wall 32a.

The wheel 29a is supplied with abrading Inaterial from a feed spout 35 which extends through an opening 3% in the casing 36 and through an opening 37 in the side wall 2i and which delivers the abrading material to the im peller 23. The feed spout 35 is preferably supplicd with abrading material from a storage hopper 38, having a feed pipe extending therefrom and leading to the reed spout 35. The wheel 2% of the other abrasive projector B may be supplied with abrading material in a similar manner from the hopper 38 by a feed pipe 3%.

When the wheel 26a is rotated by the motor (Na and supplied with abrading material, the impeller 23 discharges the abrading material through the opening 26 of the control member 25 and into the path of the throwing blades 29. The abrading material is carried along the leading faces of the throwing blades 2i and is hurled therefrom, adjacent the periphery of the wheel, at the desired abrading velocity. The abrading material spreads out fanwise from the wheel in a adjustment of the clock-dial position of the outlet opening of the control member 25 about the axis of rotation of the throwing blades.

The wheel 2% is driven by the motor 3th and is supplied with abra'ding material by the feed pipe 3% and projects the streams six in an analogous manner. For a purpose which will hereinafter appear, the wheels 20a and 2% preferably are canted slightly in opposite directions, as will be seen from Fig. 4 of the drawings, and the streams so and sb are not in the same plane.

The spent abrading material which has been thrown by the projectors A and B into the abrading chamber 7 falls to the bottom of the housing i see Figs. 1, 2 and 4) and is collected in one or more hoppers such as the hoppers 45, 5, which may, if desired, extend into a pit 51 below the level of the floor on which the apparatus is installed. A discharge outlet or chute 41 leads from the hopper 45 to the lower portion a of an elevator E9. A screw conveyor 49 preferably is suitably mounted in each hopper Q5 and is driven from a motor 52 connected to a drive 53 which may, if desired, drive a speed reducing unit 54, suitably connected to the shaft 51 of the screw conveyor 49. In'the present example a plurality of screw conveyors 48 are provided and they may all be driven from the same driving mechanism. The driving mechanism may be installed in suitable space 56 defined by end walls of the hoppers 45. I

The elevator 50 preferably comprises an endless belt 60, carrying a plurality of lift buckets 6 I, and trained over drums 62, 63 mounted for rotation in the elevator housing. The elevator p outoftheabmdfmg hamberaftercl is driven by a motor connected by a drive to the shaft of one of the drums 58.

The storage hopper 88 may be disposed in position to receive abrading material by gravity from the upper end of the elevator 58. However, if desired, suitable screening and separating apparatus (not shown) may be provided between the upper end of the elevator 58 andthe hopper 38 for the purpose of removing from the spent abrading material any foreign material or debris. such as scale, sand, dust orthe like. i

A conveyor is provided for advancing the work pleces into the abrading chamber, supporting them therein for cleaning, and advancing them conveyor includes a supporting turning device located in the abrading chamber and adapted to support the workpiece or workpieces in the stream or streams of abrading material and to turn them about therein.

Referring particularly to Figs. 2 and 4, the supporting and turning device comprises essentially an endless flexible member 18 so supported as to define a generally trough-shaped supporting surface. The endless flexible member l8 preferably is constituted by a plurality of rigid, elongated members, such as slats or bars H extending in a generally parallel direction. The bars H are carried by and secured together by a plurality of chains 89; in the present example, three such chains are illustrated. The bars preferably are formed of or faced with abrasion-resisting metal; in some cases it may be preferable to face the barswith a non-metallic abrasionresisting material, such as rubber.

Each chain 89 (see Fig. 4) comprises-a plurality of links 12 (see Fig. 3 for a detailed View) each of which is provided with a base 13', adapted to be attached to or forming a portion of one of the bars llgand a plurality of flanges 18 adapted to receive a' pin 15 carrying a roller IS. The pins 15 serve to connect adjacent links to form the chain. The base I3 is also formed with a portion 'I'I which projects beyond the end of the corresponding bar 'II and whjchhas an arcfi ate face l8 ilqr.a-purpose'liereinafter illustrated;

-"Eachchain 89 (see Fig. v4) is trained over a pair of spaced sprockets 88=carried on shafts 8| for rotation, the chain being draped so as to position the bars II in inner and outer arcuate flights, the inner flight providing a troughshaped supporting surface for the workpieces. Each chain 89 is guided in its path by a guide member 82, having an inner flange 83 of generally arcuate shape for engaging the rollers Ii of the inner flight of the corresponding chain. The guide member 82 is provided by its outer edge with a flange or rail 84, around which the outer flight of the chain 89 is trained.

In order to provide for adjusting the tension on the chain 89, the outer flange or rail 88 may be made expansible. flange may be split and includes one or more movable segments 85 pivoted as by pins 88 to the guide member 82. In the present example, two such segments 85 are provided and are connected by a turnbuckle 81 engaging the enlarged end portions 88 of the segments 85. [It will be seen that the tension on thefchain maybe adjusted by suitable adjustment of the turnbuckle 81.

The endless flexible member 18 is caused to execute traveling moment around its path in order to turn about in the streams articles which are supported on the inner flight. The endless For example, the outer' 'chainsIII.

flexible member I8 may be traveled by driving it from a motor 98- (see Fig. 2), adjustably mounted on a support 9| fixed to the top wall of the housing, I. The motor 98 may be connected by a drive 92 to a speed reducing mechanism 93, which in turn drives a sprocket 94. Trained over the sprocket 94 is a chain, which is also trained eanmgi Th'e -"88to rotate andeffect.travelin movement of th endless flexible member 18.

For advancing the workpieces onto and longitudinally along the supporting surface defined by theendless flexiblemember 18, a pusher mechanism (see Fig. 2),- located at the loading station 3, is provided.

The loading station section 2 (see Figs. 2 and 6) is provided with an opening 62 in the top wall, as above described, in order to permit. the introduction of workpieces wp into the housing.

Below the opening it is a generally arced supporting floor or trough 588, which preferablylflextends between the side wall portions IN and Reciprocable in the loading station section 2 is a pusher head I83 carried by a pusher frame I85, and preferably rotatably mounted thereon as by means of a stub shaft 588. The pusher frame I85 carrying the pusher head I83 is mounted by rollers or wheels I88 which cooperate with guides or tracks Illl fixed to the side walls I88 and I82 respectively.

The pusher frame I85 is normally retracted (to the rightas viewed in Fig. 2) by a suitable retracting mechanism. In the present example, the retracting mechanism is illustrated as comprising a weight I88, connected 'to the pusher II8. Thgvyeight I88 urges thepusher frame I85 ""reTrwardly, but permits advancing movement of the frame in the opposite direction, upon application of a suitable force. It will be understood that another suitable retracting mechanism may be substituted for retracting the frame, as for example, spring means (not shown).

The pusher frame I85 is periodically advanced toward the abrading chamber 1 (to the left as viewed in Fig. 2) by a suitable advancing mechanism. The advancing mechanism herein illustrated comprises a plurality of endless chains III (see Figs. 2 and 6), each of which istrained over a plurality of sprockets H2 carried on shafts III. The chains III carryone or more chain lugs IIl adapted to engage frame lugs II5 depending from the pusher frame I85 and extending through openings H6 in the floor I88 and 5 into the path of the chain lugs I as they are carried along the upper flight of the chains III.

j Thechains III are suitably driven as by a motor I" connected by a drive II8 to a sprocket Il9 secured to one of the shafts I I3. v

when the motor I" is driven it operates, through the drive III and sprocket II9, to drive the shaft H8 and effect traveling movement of the The chain lugs I I4 engage the frame lugs III and urge the pusher frame I85 forwardly (to the left as viewed in Fig. 2) against the force of the weight I88 until the chain lugs H4 are moved out of engagement with the frame lugs us. The frame me their is rapidly retracted by the weight i8.

set of rolls as shown in Fig. 2.

'Where one set oi chain lugs is provided the frame will .be urged to the left once for each trip of the chains ill. The chains III, however. may be provided with a plurality of chain lugs, in which case the frame will be reciprocated a corresponding number of times ,for-each trip'of the chains. It will be noted that the driving mechanism for the pusher can be so designed and operated as to cause the work to turn in the abrasive streams for any selected period.

Disposed between the inner end of the floor are and the end of the endless flexible member we is an inlet or loading vestibule I25 (see Figs. 2

and 5). The loading yestibule izi preferably comprises a cylindrical metal tube Ht which may be formed from abrasion-resisting metal, or may be lined with such metal or lined with other abrasion-resisting material, such as rubber. The

tube 526 preferably is provided with a flange or rail I2? at the outer end, which supports this end of the tube on a plurality of, and preferably three, rolls E28 carried on shafts 329. When three rolls are provided, they are arranged preferably in agenerally triangular formation with two of the rolls'below the tube 92$ and one of the rolls abovain the manner illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings. The tube 526 is provided with openings 35 therein to permit debris to pass out of the tube.

In certain cases, it may be desirable to provide an additional set of' supporting rolls similar to the rolls act for supporting the end of the tube 525 at the other end. In such cases, an addi-.

ticnal flange or rail i2? is provided on the inner end of the tube i215. The tube 526 then is supported in a manner generally similar to that illustrated in Figs. 8 to 11, instead of by the one The inner end of the tube i265 extends through an opening it'll in the partition 59 and is supported on the extensions ll of those links it which constitute the inner flight of the chain $5 at the right hand and (as viewed in Fig. 2) of the endless flexible membef'l'mfie surfaces 78 of the extensions ll which engage the tube 526 are shaped to fit snugly against the end of the tube E26. In certain instances it may be desirable to provide the bars "H with extensions to engage the tube $26 instead of providing the extensions ll on the bases l3 as illustrated here- The extensions ll are so positioned that they maintain the lower portionof the inner sur face of the tube substantially at the level of and close to the lower portion of the inner surface.

It will be seen that the lower flight of the endless fiexible member 70 thus constitutes a support for the inner end of the tube I26, and that the tube 26 serves to maintain the desired arcuate configuration of the inner flight of the endless flexible member Hi. In the present example the tube i126 engages the extensions 17 with sufficient friction, so that the tube I26 is driven in the same direction and approximately. at the same speed as the bars ll of the inner flight of the flexible member. However, if'desired, separate driving mechanism (not shown) may be provided for driving the tube I26.

When two sets of supporting rolls are employed and the vestibule is separately driven it need not be supported on the endless flexible member but can merely abut this member in the manner shown. In this connection it will be noted that while some space is shown between the vestibule and the ends of the rails. this space can be, and I upper roll I38 carried on a shaft 535i for rotation and lower rolls (not shovm) which preferably are arranged in a manner generally similar to the rolls I28 which support the inlet vestibule 925. The inner end Q35 extends through an epeningise in the is supported upon the end of the inner flight of the endless flexible member it in a manner gen erally similar to that in which the inner end of the vestibule 625 .is supported.

The outlet vestibule l35'is disposed withits door in substantial alignment with the floor of the inner flight of the endless flexible member Hi and is adapted to receive worlr' ieces that are pushed oil the discharge end of the endless flexible member'ltf The discharge vestibule 835 is rotated by engagement with the endless flexible member, but if desired, may be provided with separate driving means (not shown).

A discharge opening (Fig. 2) is provided in the housing 5 adjacent the outlet end of the unload- 'erably is inclined downwardly from the floor of the outlet end of the unloading vestibuie 555 and extends to an unloading floor or platform lie disposed outside of the housing 8, which platform provides an unloading or discharging 'statlon Ii.

For the purpose of spacing successive workpieces on the conveyor in order to expose thecpposing and surfaces of the adjacent workpieces to the action of the streams of abrading material, one ior=more spacers (see Fig. 2) are provided. Each spacer comprises an open frame-like structure having end portions adapted to abut tlie'ends of adjacent workpieces and a side portion adapted to engage the sides of the conveyor and center the spacer thereon.

One novel form of spacer 850 (see Fig. 7) is constituted by a plurality of members which may be either rods or tubes suitably secured together as by welding. The spacer I60 comprises a generally circular member B and a generally rectangular member 852 disposed in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the circular member 65! and secured to the latter at the top and bottom. A second ring I53 extends substantially medially. around the frame and is connected to the menicL-h. v... partition aha piererabl here l5l and I52 to assist in maintaining them in I rigid relation. One or more strut members I54 extend between the sides of the rectangular mem-. ber I52 for stiffening it. A plurality of strut members are provided for stifiening the spacer so that it withstands the heaving longitudinal thrust on the line or workpieces. In the present example, a central strut member I55 and two side strut members I56 are provided.

The apparatus is suitable for cleaning any objects, such as metal castings, forgings and the like, which can be pushed alongon the several supporting surfaces without piling up. The invention is particularly well adapted for cleaning large heavy objects, such as cylinder blocks and the like, and in the present illustrative example,

' it is illustrated in connection with the cleaning shapes.

cases a gentle tumbling whichtends to loose the adherent foreign material.

of cylinder blocks and the like.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows:

The driving motors 3Ia and 3") for the abrasive projectors A and B are energized to drive the abrasive throwing wheels 20a and 20b and the wheels are supplied with abrading material from the hopper 38. The wheels 20a and 20b project the streams of abrading material sa and sb respectively into the space within the inner flight of the endless flexible member I and against workpieces wp supported thereon.

It will be noted that the throwing wheels 20a and 20b are canted or inclined in opposite directions so that the streams sa and sb sweep portions of this space on opposite sides of the vertical center line; thus, as will be seen particularly from Fig. 4, the stream so is directed'against a workpiece wp on the supporting surface from one direction and the stream sb is directed against the workpiece wp in another direction whereby there is a substantial range of "side to side" angularity of the streams.

It will be noted also that the throwing wheels 20a and 20b are mounted oppositely and are driven in opposite directions whereby they project their respective streams sa. and sb in more or less opposed relation relative to the supporting surface. Thus the angularity of the two streams sa and sb varies throughout a substantial angle.

The restricted size and shape of the chamber defined by the endless flexible, member tends to confine the abrading material of the abrasive streams, thus causing considerable rebounding which expends itself on the workpieces, thus adding to the effectiveness of the abrasive streams, especially where the workpieces are of irregular The motor 52 is energized to drive thescrew conveyors 49 and the motor 64 is energized to endless flexible member I0 and cause it to travel around its path, the endless flexible member being guided around its path by the guidingmeans above described. v

, The motor II! is energized to drive the chain III and to effect reciprocation of the pusher head I03, as above described.

The workpiece am to be cleaned is deposited through the opening I2" onto the trough or floor I00 in advance of the pusher head I03. The pusher head advances the workpiece along the floor I00 and into the inlet vestibule I25. The vestibule I25 is rotated by cooperationwith the endless flexible member as above described (or by its own driving mechanism where the same is provided) and turns the workpiece wp about an axis extending in a generally longitudinal direction. Thus, any moulding sand, core sand or other foreign matter carried on the workpiece or in the cavities thereof or loosely adhering to the workpiece is caused to drop off the workpiece and fall to the floor of the loading vestibule I25 from whence it passes through the openings I3I and drops into the hopper 45. The turning movement of the loading vestibule I25 eflects a gentle turning of the workpiece wp and in most A second workpiece am is next deposited on the floor I00 in advance of the pusher head and shake pushed into abutment with the first workpiece and thereafter is further advanced, whereby the force on the second workpiece am is transmitted to the first workpiece wp toadvance the same longitudinally along the loading vestibule I25.

In order to expose the end surfaces of the workpieces am to the action of the streams of abrading material sa and sb, it is usually preferable to provide means for spacing apart successive workpieces. Preferably, this is accomplished by interpos'ing an open frame-like spacer I50, such as illustrated particularly in Figs. 2 and6, and described hereinbefore. The spmer I50 is positioned so that the end portions I52 bear against the end surfaces of successive workpieces wp and the side portion I5I extends generally transversely of the movement of the workpieces wp whereby to position the spacer I50 sub- -wp on the trough-shaped floor I00 and, when the pusher head I03 is advanced to push the workpiece into the loading vestibule I25, the spacer I50 is pushed into contact with the trailing end surface of the preceding workpiece wp. Depending upon the relative length of the loading vestibule I25 and the workpieces 1021, the leading workpiece wp is advanced onto the arcuate supporting surface defined by the inner flight .of the endless flexible member I0 and into the stream. 30. of abrading material projected by the abrasive projector A after one or more succeeding workpieces have been advanced into the loading vestibule I25.

The traveling movement of the endless flexible member I0 causes the workpiece wan to be turned about in the stream whereby to bring the various surface portions of the workpiece wp into the stream. The workpiece wp is turned aboutan axis extending in a generally longitudinal direction and in many cases is gently tumbled by this turning movement depending upon the size and shape of .the workpiece. ,However, preferably the shape and size of the supporting surface deflned by the inner flight of the inner flexible member i! are such that no severe tumbling action is produced. It will be understood, however, that where the workpiece is capable of withstanding shocks it is possible to permit substantial tumbling action.

Further workpieces wp are introduced through/ pusher head against the last added workpiece,

the entire line is given a forward movement to advance the entire series of workpieces. Adjustment or variation of this-movement may be effected by suitable control of the movement of the pusher head.

J The loading vestibule I25 and unloading vestibule I35 preferably are driven in the same directo the housing I above des ribed, except as retion as and at approximately the same velocity of the inner flight of the inner flexible member tumbled and ,such

10 whereby the workpieces wp are transferred from the loading vestibule I25 to the endless flexible member 18 and from the endless flexible member 10 to the unloading vestibule I35 without shock. It has been found that in many cases owing to the synchronized movement of the several supporting members, the entire line of workpieces wp, together with the interposed spacers I58, turn about the longitudinal axis of move-'' ment. simultaneously and thus there is little or no rubbing or chafing between the successive workpieces (where no spacers are employed) or between the workpieces and the spacers (where the spacers are employed). Moreover, where the spacers are employed they may, if desiredibe covered with a soft material, such as rubber or fabric, and thus prevent any injury to the ends of the workpieces in the event that any relative movement takes place between the workpieces and the spacers.

The'workpieces are advanced along the supporting surface defined by the endless flexible member is and finally discharged therefrom and deposited onto the discharge vestibule I35. Each workpiece is turned about in the discharge vestibule I35 by the rotation of this member and any loosely adherent foreign matter, such as loosened scale, spent abrading material, or the like, is removed. and falls through the openings M! of the discharge vestibule I35 and into the hopper 45. Generally, the workpiece will be gently adherent material .sha'ken loose. The workpiece wp is finally forced through the discharge opening Id and onto the platform Md. Wherein an inclined fioor M3 is provided, this facilitates removal of the workpiece from the tions they can be rolled along a suitable trough ratus may take various forms. Referring now to Figs. 8 to 11, inclusive, a second form'of apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated. In particular, there is illustrated another form of loading mechanism suitable for employment with a conveyor and abrasive projectors similar to those illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive.

The apparatus (see Figs. 8, 9 and 10) includes a housing 200 generally similar in construction are inserted through the opening 202.

gards the loading end of he apparatus. The housing 280 is formed with a loading section 20! having a loading or charging opening 202 in the side wall thereof. Extending outwardly from the opening is a shelf 203 to facilitate introducing workpieces through the opening 202. The

opening 262 preferably is closed by one or more flexible curtains 204.

The loading section 20! preferably is separated from an abradlng chamber section 298 by a partition 205 having an opening 206 extending therethrough for a purpose which will hereinafter appear.

Disposed in the loading section 20! is a trough or arcuate floor 2ft open at both ends, which may be suitably supported on cross members 206 in position to receive workpieces war which 8 and 9) carried on shafts 215. Preferably, the

rolls have grooved peripheries adapted to receive flanges or rails 213 rigidly secured to the tubular member-"21E. The tubular member 21! has an end portion 2% extending through an opening 2% in the partition 205 and adapted to bear If de-.

against the extensions N2 of the endless flexible member 2".

The tubular member 215 may be driven wit the endless flemble member 2! as described in connection with the previously described form of the invention, but in the present embodiment is illustrated as beingdriven by one or more of the supporting rolls 214. In the present example. one of the supporting rolls 214 is driven from a shaft 214 which may, if desired, be the driving shaft of the endless flexible member 2"). The shaft 2 is journaled in a bearing 215 and carries a sprocket 211 over which is trained a chain 21% which isalso trained around a sprocket 219 fixed to the shaft 215. When the shaft 2M is driven, it operates to rotate the tubular member 21i about a central longitudinal axis. It will be understood that, if desired, the loading vestibule illustrated particularly in Figs. 2 and 5 of the drawings may be substituted for the loading vestibule 210 illustrated in Fig. 8;

A pusher 222 is reciprocable along the trough 215 for the purpose of advancing workpieces along the trough 2|! and into. the loading vestibule 210. The pusher 220 comprises a head plate 22! (see Figs. 8 and 11), carried for free rotation by a hollow shaft 224, the head plate 22l being mounted by a hub 222 and connected thereto as by screws 223; preferably a bushing 225 is interposed between the shaft and the adjacent portions of the head plate 22! and hub 222, and the hub is locked on the shaft as by one or more set screws 2". The hollow shaft 224 is rotatably mounted in a bearing housing 221 carrying one or more suitable bearings, such asthe roller bearings 22'. The ends of the bearing housing 221 preferably are sealed around the shaft 224 as by end plates 228 and 282 secured to the housing as by screws 222and 283,, and by a sealing ring ll provided around the hub and a sealing aaoaeao ring 204 provided around the shaft at" the other end.

The bearing housing 221 carrying the rotatably mounted pusher head 22f is carried by a frame 232 for reciprocating movement in the loading section 23l. The frame 232 comprises an upright frame member 233 connected to a rear ,cross member 235 and forwardly inclined upright journaled in bearings 24! housed in the cross.

member 235. The front end of the frame carries wheels or rollers 235 which are journaled in the front cross member 236 in' a generally similar manner.

, It will be seen that the frame 232 isflrmly and securely mounted and guided for reciprocating movement in a generally horizontal direction along the guides or tracks 236 whereby to permit an analogous reciprocating movement of the pusher head plate 22f along the trough 215.

The frame 232 carrying the pusher 223 is advanced by an endless chain 245 trained over sprockets 246 and 243 carried on shafts 241 and 249. journaled in bearings 231 and 253, respectively, supported on the top wall of the housing 233. The rearward bearings 253 (one of which is shown) are adjustable in order to provide for adjustment of the tension on the chain 245.

.Preferably, the bearings. 253 comprise blocks 233 slidable in a way 25! formed in a bearing support 252 rigidly positionedin a suitable manner. An adjusting screw 253 is threaded into the bearing support 252 and is connected to the bearing blocks 253 whereby upon suitable turning movement of the screw, the blocks are adjusted horizontally.

The chain 245 is driven from a motor 254 adjustably supported on a bracket 255 fixed to the top wall of the housing 233. The motor 254 is connected by a suitable drive 255' (andIpreferably a speed reducer 256) to a sprocket 251 over which is trained a chain 253 also trained over a sprocket 253 carried on the shaft 241 which carries the sprocket 246. When the motor 254 is energized it operates through the mechanism just described to drive the chain 245.

The chain 245 carries one or more sets of rollers 259 adapted to engage lugs 263 upstanding from the frame members 231 whereby the forward movement of the lower flight of. the chain 245 advances the frame 232 when the rollers 253 enthe chain 245 and certain or all of the associated.

mechanism.

The pusher 223 is normally retracted (to the right as viewed in Fig. 8) by a suitable retracting mechanism 333 which is yielding to permit the pusher to be advanced by the drive chain 245.

The retracting mechanism 333 may comprise one or more flexible cables "I normally wound upon a spring-urged reel or reels 332. The

spring-urged reel 332 permitsthe cable 3" to be drawn out when the frame 232 is urged forwardly by its driving mechanism but has suillcient force to return the frame 232 rapidly to its initial position. Other retracting devices, as

for example, the gravity-operatedmechanism described above, may be substituted for the mechanism shown in Fig. 8. r

-The operation of the apparatus disclosed in Figs. 8 to 11, and particularly the loading mechanism, is as follows: i

The several drivingmechanisms are operated to cause a traveling movement of the endless member, a turning movement of the inlet vestibule 213 and a reciprocating movement of the pusher 220. A workpiece we is pushed through the opening 232 and deposited in the trough H in advance of the head plate 22! of the pusher 2,23. The drive chain 245 brings the rollers 259 periodcally into engagement with the lugs 263 and thereby causes the pusher frame 232 to ad- Vance the pusher 223 into engagement with'the of its forward movement, the rollers 259 are disengaged from the lugs 263 and permitthe retracting mechanism to return the pusher 223 to its retracted position. A second workpiece wp is then deposited in the trough 2 l5 and advanced into abutment with the first workpiece w'p (or into abutment with a spacer which in turn abuts the first workpiece wp). Succeeding workpieces wp are deposited in the trough 2 l5 and advanced into the inlet vestibule 213 therebyforming a line or file of workpieces extending along the inlet vestibule 213, the endless flexible member 2|3 and the outlet vestibule (not shown).

It will be understood that after the last workpiece wp of those which-are to be cleaned has been deposited in the trough and advanced into the loading vestibule 213, further reciprocations of the pusher 223 will not effect advancing move-. ment of the workpieces wp supported on the conveyor mechanism. In this event, the end plate 334 is removed to permit access into the interior of thehousing through the opening 333 and a pusher bar (not shown) or rod of any suitable construction and sufficient length and rigidity is inserted through the opening 23! in the hollow shaft 224..and into abutment with the last workpiece wp. By pushing against the last workpiece, 101) of the line or file the workpieces can be advanced-along the conveying mechanism until the last workpiece is forced off the end of the conveying mechanism.

It will be understood that the portion of the v apparatus not illustrated in Figs. 8 toll may be similar to the corresponding portions of the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7 and that this operates in a similar manner upon the workpieces.-

It will be seen that the present invention is suitable for abrading castings, forgings, stampings and other metal objects for the purpose of cleaning, polishing, hardening and the like. While the appai'atus issuitable for cleaning or abrasive treatment of any objects which are capable of being pushed along in the manner described, nevertheless, the invention is especially well adapted for cleaning or treating large, heavy -objects, such as cylinder blocks and the like.

The apparatus is capable of handling the objects with a minimum of shock or damage to the objects and capable of positively controlling the 7 manipulation of the objects through the abrasive stream in such manner as to expose the predetermined portions of the surfaces to the abrasive streams. Furthermore, the divergent nature of the streams. together with the positions of the streams relative to the conveyor, insure thatv the abrading particles strike the objects throughout a wide range of angularity and thus cavities, depressions, projections or other surface features are suitably presented to the streams.

The objects are turned about in the streams a sufiicient number of times and are exposed to the streams for a suflicient length of time to insure complete and eifective cleaning of the various surfaces. The abrasive throwing wheels are spaced apart so that there is no interference between their streams and the maximum eifectiveness of the streams is obtained. Moreover, the wheels are so positioned that there is a considerable total spread of the streams in a direction laterally of the direction of travel of the objects. The spacers maintain the work-pieces in spaced relation and permit the abrading matepusher head or vice versa.

these members without appreciable shock. The

' foreign matter.

rial to strike the end surfaces of the workpieces.

The pusher mechanism permits manual, semiautomatic or automatic loading of the workpieces into the apparatus and provides positive and controlled advancing movement of the workpieces. The speed of advance of the pusher can,

be controlled and the speed of retraction can also be controlled independently of the speed of advance. Thus it is possible to provide for a relatively slow advance and rapid return of the Hence the workpieces may be advanced rapidly and'in effect, substantially continuously'or they may be advanced step by step and may be halted for considerable periods within the streams. The workpiece is delivered to the inlet vestibule without undue shock, the revolvable head of the pusher being capable of turning while the workpiece is passed from the loading trough onto the inlet vestibule.

Both the inlet and outlet vestibules may be constructed so as to .turn at the same speed as the endless flexible member and thus the workpieces are transferred from one to the other of inlet vestibule turns the workpiece about and dumps therefrom any core sand or other adherent material and permits the workpiece to enter the abrading stream unencumbered by any such In an analogous manner, the unloading vestibule dumps from the workpiece any abradin material or loosened scale or the like which may tend to adhere to or remain on the workpiece. Either 'or both of the vestibules preferably are perforated or are formed by an ting and rotatin the trailing end of a workpiece while the leading end is entering the first abrasive stream. In an analogous manner, the unloading vestibule supportsa leading end of a workpiece while the, trailing end is still in the stream. Thus it is possible suitably to support .even long heavy workpieces without unduly increasing the length of the endless flexible member.

It will be noted that in the present invention the workpieces are turned at all times while in the abrading streams whether they are being advanced or not and thus there is no danger of excessive abrading of the workpieces with the consequent overheating or wearing away of the surfaces of the workpieces.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed herein, and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metal castings, forgings and the like, in combination, a centrifugal abrasive projector for projecting a stream of abrading material, means for supporting an article in said stream including an endless flexible member, means mounting said endless flexible member to define a generally advancing objects to be cleaned through said stream, said conveyor comprising means for supporting objects to be cleaned in said stream and for turning them about in said stream, a load,- ingvestibule cooperating with said supporting means for turning objects about to remove adherent foreign matter and for depositing objects on said supporting means, and means movable independently of the movement of said loading vestibule and said supporting means for advancing objects along said loading vestibule and said supporting means.

3. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metal castings, forgings and the like, in combination, a centrifugal abrasive projector, for projecting a stream of abrading material, and a conveyor for advancing objects to be cleaned through said stream, said conveyor comprising means for supporting objects to be cleaned in said stream and for turning them about in said stream, an unloading vestibule cooperating with said supporting means for turning objects about to remove adherent foreign matter and for receiving objects on said supporting means, and means movable independently of the movement of said unloading vestibule and said supporting means for advancing objects along said unloading vestibule and said supporting means. 4. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metal castings, forgings and the like, in combination,

a centrifugal abrasive projector for projecting a stream of abrading material, and a conveyor for advancing objects to be cleaned through said stream, said conveyor comprising means for supporting objects to be cleaned in said stream and for turning them about in said stream, a loadin'g vestibule cooperating with said supporting means at one end thereof for turning articles about to remove adherent foreign matter and for depositin objects on said supporting means, an unloading vestibule at the other end of said supporting means for turning objects about to remove adherent foreign matter and for receiving articles from said supporting means, and means movable independently of the movement of said vestibules and said supporting means for advancing objects along said loading vestibule and said supporting means.

5. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metal castings, forgings and the like, in combination, a centrifugal abrasive projector for projecting a stream of abrading material, and a conveyor for advancing objects to be cleaned through said stream, said conveyor comprising means for supporting objects to be cleaned for movement through said stream and for turning them about in said stream, and means including a recipro eating pusher operatingupon an object on said supporting means for advancing the object along said supporting means and through said stream.

6. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metal casting's, forgings and the like, in combination,

a centrifugal abrasive projectorfor projecting a stream of abrading material, and a conveyor for advancing objects to be cleaned through said stream, said conveyor comprising movable means for supporting objects to be cleaned in said stream and for turning them about in said stream, a pusher, means mounting said pusher for reciprocating movement into engagement with objects on said supporting means to advance said objects therealong independently of the movement of said supporting means, a continuously movable drive member, means periodically engaging said drive member with said pusher for advancing said pusher, and means for retracting said pusher.

'7. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metal castings, forgings and the like, in combination, a centrifugal abrasive projector for projecting a stream of abrading material, means for conveying objects in a line or file through saidfstream comprising an endless flexible member,-'means supporting said endless flexible member whereby a flight thereof defines a generally troughshaped supporting surface, a rigid tubular vestibule disposed substantially in alignment with said flight of said endless flexible member and having its end supported by and in driven relation with said endless flexible member, means for effecting a traveling movement of said endless flexible member, and means positioned to engage the rearmost object of the line or file and exert an advancing force on substantially the entire line or file for advancing said objects along said vestibule and said supporting surface independently of the traveling movement thereof.

8. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metal castings, forgings and the like, in combination, a centrifugal abrasive projector for'projecting a stream of abrading material, means for conveying objects in a line or file through said stream, comprising an endless flexible member, means supporting said endless flexible member in inner and outer trough-shaped flights whereby the inner flight deflnes a generally troughshaped supporting surface, a rigid tubular vesti-.

bule disposed substantially in alignment with the inner flight of said endless flexible member and cooperating therewith to maintain the flexible member and rotation of said tubular vestibule, and means positioned to engage the rearmost object of'the line or file and exert an advancing forceon substantially the entire line or file for advancing said objects along said vestibule and said supporting surface independently of the traveling movement thereof.

9. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metalcastings, forgings and the like, in combination, means for projecting a plurality of divergent streams of abrading material, said means comprising a plurality of centrifugal abrasive projectors, and means for conveying through said streams objects to be cleaned, said conveying means comprising an endless flexible member, means supporting the same to define a generally upwardly open, trough-shape supporting surface, and means for advancing articles in a generally longitudinal direction along said supporting surface, said abrasive projectors being adapted to hurl against articles on said supporting surface abrasive streams which are elongated in the direction of travel of said articles and at least certain of said abrasive projectors being disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line of said supporting surface inclined in opposite lateral directions whereby the streams hurled thereby extend through said opening and sweep portions of said trough-shaped supporting surface on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line thereof respectively.

- 10. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metal castings, forgings and the like, in combination, means for projecting a plurality of divergent streams of abrading material, said means comprising a plurality of centrifugal abrasive projectors, and means for conveying objects to be cleaned through said streams, said conveying means comprising an endless flexible member mounted to define a generally upwardly open trough-shape supporting surface, and means for advancing articles in a generally longitudinal direction along said supporting surface, said abrasiveprojectors being adapted to hurl against articles on said supporting surface abrasive streams which are elongated in the direction of travel of said articles and at least certain of said abrasive projectors being mounted on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line of said supporting surface and inclined in opposite directions whereby their streams are in generally opposed relation longitudinally of the path of movement of the objects and sweep portions of said trough-shaped supporting surface on oppo-, site sides of the longitudinal center line thereof respectively.

11. In apparatus for abrasive cleaning of metal castings, forgings and the like wherein a series of workpieces is advanced along a supporting member and through a fan-like stream of abrading material, a spacer adapted to be disposed for free movement on said supporting member and between two successive workpieces for spacing the same to permit abrading material to impinge against the end surfaces of the successive workpieces, said spacer comprising a unitary, open, frame of rigid construction having two opposite end portions adapted for contact with the opposed ends of the successive workpieces and a side portion intermediate said end portions shaped to engage the supporting surface and maintain said spacer substantially centered with respect to said supporting surface as said spacer is advanced therealong.

12. The method of cleaning metal castings, forgings and the like which comprises, establishing a fan-like stream of abrading material,

disposing aplurality of'workpieces in a line or file and in force transmitting relation on a supporting surface, applying an advancing force on the endmost workpiece and in the direction of the line or file whereby the force is transmitted through the several workpieces to advance the line or file through said stream, and turning all of the workpieces in the line or file whereby a workpiece in the stream is turned about in the stream to present the several surfaces'of the said workpiece to the abrading action of the stream.

13; The method of cleaning metal castings,

'forgings and the like which comprises, establishing a fan-like stream of abrading material,

disposing a plurality of workpieces in a line or file on asupporting surface, disposing a rigid spacing member between at least certain of the workpieces in said line or file whereby to space the opposed end surfaces thereof to thereby expose said end surfaces to the abrading action of said stream, applying an advancing force on the go endmost workpiece and in the direction of the line or file whereby the force is transmitted to the several workpieces to advance the line or file through said stream, and turning all of the workpieces in the line or file whereby a workpiece in "the stream is turned about in the stream to present the several surfaces of the said workpiece to the abrading action of the stream. 14. In abrading apparatus for cleaning metal castings, forgings, and the like, in combination, means for establishing a stream of abrading material, means including a conveyor for advancing articles through said stream and a relatively open spacer disposed between successive articles on said conveyor for spacing said articles to permit said stream to impinge against the adjacent surfaces of said articles; said spacer being adapted for relatively freemovement on said conveyor.

'nAvm c. TURNBULL. 20 

